Of all the island nations on Earth, there is, perhaps, none quite so obsessed by fishas Japan. Whether for food or entertainment, fish are at the very core of Japaneseidentity. From their reverential love of jewel-like koi to the seemingly barbaricworld of scientific whaling via the balletic submarine ballet of the drive hunt, thereare few corners of Japanese culture that have not been shaped by reference to fish.

Trying to comprehend this 'alien' culture, Charles embarks on a six-week odysseythrough Japan, determined to use his love of fish and fishing as the common point ofinterest between himself and those he meets along the way. Since he loves fishpossibly even more than the Japanese, they must have plenty in common...